bitter root

Garden uses

Notes

Bitter root (Lewisia rediviva) is a low perennial for containers and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry, sandy or loamy soil. Big pink to nearly white flowers open on short stalks almost inside a rosette of narrow, succulent leaves. It needs perfect drainage because the taproot rots easily, so a rock garden suits it well.

Pairs well with Prairie flax, Blue-eyed grass, and California poppy.

Native range